Holy Night

I wrote this haibun in September at the Workshop on ekphrasis at Belconnen Art Centre during the University of Canberra's Poetry in the Move Conference. It came from an exercise requiring a poem in response to one of the paintings exhibited near the reception area. Rikki Fisher's beautiful,  sensitive scratchwork stood out from the rest and the poem simply tumbled out. I sent it to Ian Storr, Editor of the classy UK journal Presence, and he was accepted it.  Ian was happy to include Rokki's link with the poem.

Presence is now available, so I can share 'Holy Night'. Thank you Rikki and Ian, for the opportunity to respond to this exquisite piece and have in print before Christmas.. So right for the time - the terrible repeal of legislation that originally recognized sentience in animals. The link for Rikki's work is here for you to enjoy.

Holy Night

In response to 'My Protector': artwork by Rikki Fisher. 

              http://waba.net.au/2017-members-exhibition

Caged in biblical myths, a zoo monkey rocks her young.  She wraps the child in silence, eyes resigned to what might come. He's the Chosen One, facing the world and its sorrows. Scratching at the tip of an answer. 

Little monkey, can you save us? What will be your Calvary? Wired to a rocket, shot to a star? Locked in a wise man's lab? Shepherded into a circus ring? Or jailed so we can gape at our transgressions? 

Just for this moment you're safe, clutching the Madonna.

holy night

angels bandage

the future

              Hazel Hall
              Australia